Medtronic settlement for recalled defibrillator lawsuits
A statement released late yesterday confirms that 2,682 Medtronic defibrillator lawsuits will settle for $114.1 million. The Medtronic settlement involves cases filed by individuals as a result of a 2005 defibrillator recall. The medical device maker continues to face thousands of other potential lawsuits as a result of a new Medtronic recall issued in October 2007 for defibrillator leads which were used to connect the medical devices to the hearts of over 235,000 people.
The Medtronic settlement will provide financial compensation to individuals who were impacted by defects in some models of the Marquis implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The defibrillator recall was issued in February 2005 as a result of battery problems which could cause the device to fail. Over 10,000 people had to have their defibrillator surgically removed as a result of the recall.
According to the Medtronic defibrillator lawsuits, the company was aware of the battery problems well before they issued the recall. As a result of their desire to maximize profits and sell their stock of defibrillators, they allowed defective devices to be implanted in patients and failed to warn that safer defibrillators were available.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators, or ICDs, are small devices about the size of a stopwatch which are implanted near the shoulder and connected to the patient’s heart by a small electrical wire which runs through the vein. The device is designed to monitor the heart’s rhythm and deliver a life-saving shock if a rapid beat is detected. They are often implanted when an individual is at risk for sudden cardiac death.
Additional Medtronic lawsuits are being pursued as a result of an October 15, 2007 recall involving defects in the leads, or small wires, which carry the electrical charge to the heart. Medtonic Sprint Fidelis models of defibrillator leads are prone to fractures, which could cause the device to fail or result in unnecessary shocks. According to preliminary estimates released by Medtronic, the defibrillator leads have a failure rate of around 2.3% at 30 months, which means that approximately 4,000 to 5,000 will experience problems with their defibrillator.
Unfortunately, the process of replacing the defibrillator lead or attempting to insert a new wire is much more complex and dangerous than replacing the actual defibrillator. Experts are not recommending that the defibrillator leads be replaced unless there is evidence of a fracture. However, individuals who have one of the defective Sprint Fidelis leads will likely still be entitled to financial compensation from Medtronic, even if they never experience problems with their lead.
MEDTRONIC RECALL LAWSUITS
The product liability lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. represent individuals nationwide who are pursuing Medtronic lawsuits as a result of defective defibrillators and leads. New cases are being reviewed as a result of the defibrillator lead recall for any individuals who have one of the defective wires implanted with their defibrillator. If you, a friend or family member have received a defibrillator since 2004, it is possible the Sprint Fidelis lead was used. To find out if financial compensation may be available, request a free claim evaluation.
